I was using my Research Log this morning and I was thinking about how helpful it is to me for keeping track of what I’ve already searched. I thought I might re-post this blog from 2009 to see if it could help anyone else. Happy Researching! ~Lisa
Last week-end, I had a 3 hour car ride to contemplate what my “ideal” research log would look like. I had printed out my notes for Joseph Scott (1832-1914, Russell County, Kentucky) and purposely did not bring along anything else so that I would be totally focused on the one family. For 3 hours, I read and re-read the notes jotting down questions and making sure all my little scraps of paper and post-it notes were included. I decided to create a 1 page document with Joseph’s basic vital information along with a timeline of locations for his family. After that, I began making a list of questions I have along with a list of sources I could search to find the answers. I also included sources I had already searched.
Of course, I used Excel to create the log so that it will be easy to update and easy to adapt to other ancestors. I had already created a database of sources available at the Allen County Library for the counties I research in, so those sources were easy to add to the log. I’m in the process of searching the Kentucky Archives catalog and the FHL catalog for additional sources that I don’t have access to at the library. I’ll also add web sites that could help my research. My ultimate goal for the log is to have a record that I can add to my ancestor’s folder so that when I grab the folder to take to the library, the log will be waiting. I’ll know what I’ve already researched and what I want to look-up on my next trip. I need to be able to update it quickly, especially if I read an interesting article or twitter tweet that gives me a new idea of a source to search. But more than anything, I need to FEEL organized and confident that I have thoroughly analyzed my notes and that I don’t need to take the time to analyze them again. That, more than anything, keeps me from working on my research. I don’t usually work on my research unless I have a full day – which I seldom have during the school year. So if I can take smaller chunks of time to do the analyzing – and creating the log – then I’ll be more likely to jump into my research when opportunities do present themselves.
So here my the first version of my research log. While I don’t want this log template to become a huge project, I am trying to think if there are other things I need to add to be as effective as possible. It just occurred to me that I should include a list of people that I know are also searching Joseph along with email and snail mail addresses.
Please feel free to comment if you think something else would be helpful!
Lisa, I love this format. The summary you have at the top gives just enough information to orient yourself to the subject being research. The census summary running horizontally is a fantastic way to summarize that information and the best part is it hardly takes up any room at all!
The only thing I would suggest, as an unknowing outsider looking in, is that you might include the state in the BMD info at the top. Of course if you are the only one who will ever look at this form, maybe it doesn’t matter. I just had to stop and think about what state was involved when I first read it.
Oh yes, one more thing. If there are any really close associates, family, neighbors, friends, etc. with which you subject regularly appears or does business with you might mention that in your notes as a jog in case those names come up in later research. You never know if something like that might be helpful. It’s also hard to know if that’s too much detail sometimes.
That’s a great idea! Seems like I concentrate on one family for several weeks and I think I’ll remember details like that, but then after a long break, I barely remember anything at all! Thanks for the tips!
Great Idea! I like the basic info, timeline and research suggestions all on one page. Thanks for sharing.
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